Special education courses might cover behavioral disorders in children and behavioral assessment, among other topics. Keep reading to learn about some common college courses in special education.
Special Education Courses and Programs
Special education teachers work with children who have emotional, learning, physical or psychological disabilities. They typically teach across a variety of subjects and skill sets. To earn licensure in most states, special education teachers need a bachelor's degree in special education or a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a content area with a minor in special education, along with student-teacher training. However, some states require a master's degree to teach special education.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSpecialEducationPrograms">Important Facts about Special Education Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites</td><td> Bachelor's degree required to enter into a master's program, minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, written letter, interview with a member of special education faculty required for some programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations/Specializations</td><td> Disabilities in society, high incidence, visual disabilities, severe disabilities</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Programs are available online and on-campus, students are generally required to attend some face-to-face courses including practicums</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Early childhood, elementary, middle or high school teachers, instructional coordinators, social workers, recreational therapists</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$61,820 <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>4% growth <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoursesOfferedInSpecialEducationPrograms">Courses Offered in Special Education Programs</h3><ul><li><b>Introduction to Special Education</b> teaches students about aspects of early childhood development for children with disabilities. Students also learn about the processes involved in developing and implementing special education programs.
</li><li><b>Behavioral Disorders in Children</b> introduces students to behavioral characteristics in children, in addition to covering emotional disorders and best teaching practices.
</li><li><b>Behavioral Assessment</b> explores theories of functional behavior assessment. In many cases, prospective special education teachers are required to complete a behavioral assessment course in order to qualify for licensure.
</li><li><b>The Law and Special Education</b> covers how laws affect the ways special education programs are run in public school systems, in addition to addressing the rights of disabled children.
</li><li><b>Teaching Special Needs Students</b> examines the roles of special education teachers, along with covering various educational plans, instructional practices and parental involvement.
</li><li><b>Intervention for Children with Behavioral Disorders</b> teaches students how to effectively facilitate positive behavioral changes in children with emotional and behavioral issues.</li></ul>
